My view: Summer events a chance to have fun, network

Melissa Reichert

Spring finally has reached us in the Heart of Wisconsin. The Chamber of Commerce is working on a full summer of programming designed to empower, network and promote, people, businesses and resources.

First up is a brand new opportunity for businesses to promote themselves and people to network. ComedySportz Night will be at 7 p.m. May 30 at the Wild Horse Saloon & Banquet Hall. Join us for an evening of improvisational comedy. This will be a great opportunity to network in a relaxed environment. Tickets cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door or take advantage of the dinner and show package for two. This option is priced at $55.

The South Wood County Humane Society is sponsoring the kickoff of the Heart of Wisconsin Lunch by the River at 11:30 a.m. June 6 in Veterans Park in downtown Wisconsin Rapids with featured food vendors Jamaican Kitchens, Opportunity Development Centers Inc., Kiwanis, Rolling Dough 2, Tropical Smoothie and Wild Horse Saloon & Banquet Center.

Entertainment will be provided by one of my personal favorites, local band Shockwave. Join family, friends and make new connections on the beautiful banks of the Wisconsin River. Culver's custard will also be available.

Lunch by the River takes place every Thursday through the end of August from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. New this year is the opportunity to win cash in our 50/50 raffle to benefit business and leadership development in the community.

Get your running shoes out on June 15 and take part in the Race for the Heart. This 5K walk/run and half marathon are co-hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area and the Heart of Wisconsin in honor of Brad Anderson. It will benefit future community leaders in the Heart of Wisconsin area. Advance registration is available online at wisconsinrapidschamber.com. Day of race registration begins at 7 a.m. for the half marathon and 8 a.m. for the 5K.

From June 19 to 23, come out and help celebrate Cranberry Blossom Festival.

On June 21, the Agri-business Committee of the Heart of Wisconsin and the Lincoln High School FFA celebrate June Dairy Month with the Dairy and Berry Breakfast from 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Lincoln. Enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes served with sausage, cranberry juice, an ice cream sundae, coffee and milk. We'll also serve fresh cheese curds, cost is $7 for ages 13 and older, $5 for kids ages 5 to 12, ages 4 and younger eat for free. A petting zoo and exhibit booths are featured. Bring your camera for photo opportunities.

June 22, beginning at 9 a.m. at Witter Field, come out and enjoy great food, a craft show, the "Cruise-In" car show sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 101 and a family carnival.

At 12:30 p.m. June 23, the Cranberry Blossom Fest Parade makes its way down Grand Avenue. This year, the Cranberry Blossom Fest Committee has added the University of Wisconsin Marching Band as a special treat in the Cranberry Blossom Fest Parade.

This is just a small sampling of all Cranberry Blossom Fest has to offer. A complete listing of events can be found at blossomfest.com.

Finally, if golf is your game, please join us on July 16 for the 30th annual Summer Hummer at Bull's Eye Country Club hosted by the Heart of Wisconsin Ambassadors. Networking is on fire at this golf outing. Games, prizes and new connections make this a Heart of Wisconsin signature event. Registration is available online at wisconsinrapidschamber.com or by calling 715-423-1830.

The opportunities for networking and promotion that the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce offers would not be possible without the support of our members, ambassador committee and board of directors, volunteers and community members. Additionally, the work of our Mid-State Technical College intern Jake Cattanach and front office volunteer Karen Landowski is greatly valued. Thank you all for being a part of creating the environment for businesses to be successful.

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My view: Summer events a chance to have fun, network

Spring finally has reached us in the Heart of Wisconsin. The Chamber of Commerce is working on a full summer of programming designed to empower, network and promote, people, businesses and resources.

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